We’re kicking up our heels and celebrating

This year’s Palo Verde Award Gala is themed “Diamonds and Denim” — an elegant affair with cowboy flair. It will be on Saturday, Nov. 2, starting at 6 p.m. at Rawhide Western Town.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception and casino games where being a high roller provides the chance to win a basket that includes diamond jewelry donated by Jared — The Galleria of Jewelry along with a two-night stay and more donated by Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino.

Play the cowboy games and there’s a chance to win one of our specialty-themed baskets and more. Dinner follows the reception where we’ll start with a special live auction item — shhh, I can’t tell you what it is — but it will be fun. Who can beat a gourmet Western dinner with all the fixings?

Connie Colla from Channel 15 is the guest emcee for the evening. The program starts off with Women in Business proudly awarding two scholarships to women in our community who are advancing their education.

As the selection was made from many applicants, it was rewarding to note that there are many dedicated young women working to further their education and careers and give back to the community.

The Palo Verde Award nominees and their accomplishments in the community will be recognized at the Gala. The Palo Verde Award was created by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Women in Business in 2005 to honor women chosen as a role model and an outstanding businesswoman in our community.

The award was named for the Arizona state tree because of the likeness it holds to a strong, flexible businesswoman. This award is designed to identify and celebrate outstanding business women in our chamber and community. Palo Verde Award nominees are known for their passion to serve, desire to succeed and their ability to manage.

The women are nominated by fellow business contacts within the chamber and community. The Business Women of the Year selection is based on each candidate’s leadership, professional accomplishments, mentoring and volunteerism.

The Palo Verde Award nominee must be a member of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and a woman who exhibits a passion to serve and a desire to succeed. Her commitment to business excellence and achievement and community involvement are among the common characteristics. It is an honor just to be nominated.

One of these outstanding business women will be named 2013 Business Women of the Year:

• Dena Armstrong — Stone Path Realty, Rodan and Fields

• Melanie Beauchamp — Beauchamp Law Office, PC

• Carolann Bergeson — C2 Tactical Indoor Shooting Range

• Dr. Rashmi Bhatnagar — D.M.D., Bella Vista Dental

• Andrea Chisolm — Amazing Dental Care

• Katherine Christensen — Kate & Co., SOHO63, KCA

• Nancy Dudenhoefer — Kyrene School District

• Abby Green — Arbonne International

• Najia Haddock — Haddock Law Group, LLC, DreamStonz

• Nicole McNeil — ELLA Studios

• Andi Pettyjohn — Water Treatment Technologies, Inc

• Janet Schwab — Elements Massage

• Georgiann Serpe — K-Bella Salon & Spa

You won’t want to miss the live auction with Bobby D. In addition to bid on some fantastic prizes, this year we’ve created a signature item for the live auction — The Taste of Tukee.

Twelve local restaurants have generously donated dinner out, which means you’ve taken care of date night once a month for the year. And the evening is not over yet.

Now we kick up our heels and celebrate the many events, community forums and networking opportunities the chamber has provided in support of local business. The sounds of the Western Sun Band keep the party going with live music and dancing.

This event is the annual fundraiser for the chamber and is open to the general public. We encourage the community to come out and support these incredible women.

So put on your boots and your bling and join us for a rip roaring good time. Seating is limited and going fast.

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